Giving blood is something we should all try to do if we can. Blood is in short supply, so it's important to donate if possible.

If you've never given blood before, the chances are you'll have some questions about the process, the requirements, the snacks and a whole lot more. So we asked Ebony Dunkley, a Senior Sister for NHS Blood & Transplant, to share all the information women could possibly need before signing up.

1. Can you give blood on your period?

"You may give blood during a period, but if you are having a particularly heavy period it would be better for you not to. This is because any form of blood loss can reduce the iron levels in your body and potentially make you feel unwell for a short time. If you are having medical investigations please wait until these have been completed.

"You must also exclude pregnancy if a period has been missed before you give blood. If you have been prescribed medication by your doctor to help cope with period pain or are having heavy or prolonged periods, we ask you to give us a call on 0300 123 23 23 to check this before you make your appointment."

2. How much blood is actually taken?

3. Can all blood types donate?

"All blood types can be taken and we always need different blood groups, but there are times when we may make an appeal for people with rare blood types, such as O negative and B negative, to donate. This is based on the demand for that blood type at a given time. If you don't know your blood type, you will find out after your first donation."

4. Do any health conditions rule you out of giving blood?

"Although most people can give blood, there are some restrictions - depending on things like your health, medication, and whether you've been abroad recently. You are usually able to give blood provided you are:

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Fit and healthy

Weigh between 7 stone 12 lbs and 25 stone, or 50kg and 160kg

Are aged between 17 and 66, or over 70 and have given blood in the last two years

If you are underweight, pregnant, receiving IVF treatment, are on certain types of medication or have previously received a blood transfusion, you are unable to give blood."

5. Are there any tests you have to undergo prior to donating blood

"When you go for your appointment, the staff will carry out a pre-assessment to make sure you are able to give blood on the day. You can visit Blood.co.uk and answer NHS Blood and Transplants interactive questions which cover the most common reasons donors are unable to donate when they attend their appointment."

6. Can gay women give blood?

"Yes, if they are fit and healthy, and meet all the other criteria in the guidelines relating to health, medication and travel and who also pass the pre- assessment on the day."

7. Can you find out what happens to your blood?

"Shortly after your donation, you will receive a text message telling you which hospital your blood has been sent to."

8. How many times can you give blood?

"Women can donate every 16 weeks (so about 3 times a year). Men can give every 12 weeks as they have more haemoglobin in their blood."

9. Can giving blood cause you to be anaemic?

"Yes, if you donate too frequently. Haemoglobin ( the red pigment in your blood) levels vary from person to person. Men usually have higher levels than women due to women having periods, but we set a fairly high 'cut-off' level because we want to be sure that your haemoglobin will not drop below normal after you have donated."

10. What should you eat and drink before giving blood?

"Eating regularly before donating will help to keep your blood sugar levels stable. This is important so that you don't feel lightheaded or dizzy after your donation. Having a snack before donation can help maintain these blood sugar levels. Ensuring that your diet contains foods rich in iron - such as meats and green leafy vegetables - will help to keep you feeling well during and after donation. It's really important to have plenty of fluid before coming to donate so that you are properly hydrated."

11. Can you drink alcohol before giving blood?

"We recommend that you do not drink alcohol on the day you have donated. Almost half of the blood that you donate is made up of water. The fluids that you lose during donation can cause a drop in blood pressure which may contribute to you to feeling faint and dizzy. To help prevent this from happening we ask you to drink 500ml of water immediately before you give blood - we'll give this to you before you donate.

"It's also important to ensure that you are well hydrated in the days leading up to your donation. This will help to compensate for the fluids lost during donation, and will help to bring your blood volume levels back to normal. It is essential to avoid alcohol before and after donating as this may affect hydration levels and delay recovery."

12. Are you allowed to exercise before/after giving blood?

"Avoid doing any vigorous exercise or heavy lifting the day of your donation – both before and after you've given blood. Keeping your body in a rested state is important to give it a chance to replenish the fluids lost during donation, which will help you avoid feeling dizzy or lightheaded and keep you well. Light exercise such as walking is fine, but please make sure that you are fully recovered and hydrated prior to your donation."

13. How long does the whole process take?

"The whole process from takes about an hour."

14. What are the best foods to eat after you've given blood?

"You will be encouraged to have at least two drinks and a snack before you leave the donation centre, to re-hydrate the fluids you have lost during the donation and to keep your blood sugar levels stable. Once you have left the centre, you are able to eat and drink as normal. It's important to eat a healthy diet with adequate iron in it to replenish the iron you will have lost in the donation."

15. Can you have sex after giving blood?

"As stated above, it is strongly advised that you avoid intense exercise for a few hours after giving blood for the same reasons."

16. Is it fine to go back to work after giving blood?

"To help you stay well after you have given blood, you should rest for about 30 mins. You are also encouraged to eat and drink before leaving the donation centre. But after that, you are fine to go back to work. However, it is best to avoid using the donation arm to carry anything very heavy for the rest of the day. It is also best to avoid having a hot bath or shower after you have given blood."

17. What physical side effects can people expect to experience afterwards?

The materials in this web site are in no way intended to replace the professional medical care, advice, diagnosis or treatment of a doctor. The web site does not have answers to all problems. Answers to specific problems may not apply to everyone. If you notice medical symptoms or feel ill, you should consult your doctor - for further information see our Terms and conditions.